Barring Children Is No Tribute

Our Towns

Manchester

May 29, 1998

Organizers of Manchester's Memorial Day parade have a strange idea of the meaning behind that community tribute. Veterans and relatives of deceased war heroes doubtless would have been pleased to see 500 or so children marching in their honor -- whether they completed the 2 1/2-mile route or not. But those were exactly the marchers the parade committee's policy kept out.

Incredibly, some watchers of this annual salute to fallen military men and women have been offended in the past because some younger marchers got tired and dropped out early. Others had trouble walking in tidy formations -- which some adults consider disrespectful. That's silly. These are the youngest of Little League players, age 5 to 8. They may not have great form, but their effort is sincere. So what if they don't finish?

To its credit, the Little League Commission tried to respond to the concerns by suggesting that the young athletes march only to the top of Main Street, then gather in Center Park for the memorial ceremonies. But the parade committee said its rules are firm: People who take part in the parade must finish the entire route. The policy applies to every group. Little League leaders decided not to let its younger players march because many of the T-Ball and Rookie League members didn't finish the route in other years.

Such rigidity has no place in an occasion that celebrates the soldiers and sailors who fought and died for freedom.

Youngsters should learn early that remembering those who sacrificed their lives for their country is an honorable activity. Parents who encourage children to participate in the Memorial Day parade are teaching patriotism in its best form -- at the level of the ordinary citizen. Next year, the committee should embrace the commission's compromise and give young residents a place in the parade.